The 10th annual Clergy Confertreat of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America was held at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, February 11-14, 2013. The forty-eight participants included His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel and His Grace Bishop Irineu, together with priests, deacons and preotese of our Episcopate.

On Monday, an opening supper and welcome by Fr. Ian G. Pac-Urar was followed by an evening of fellowship, as clergy renewed acquaintances with their brothers and shared their experiences over the previous year.

Tuesday’s sessions included seminars on Sexual Misconduct and Clergy Professional Ethics, Healthy Boundaries and Boundary Violations, Power and Vulnerability, and Mandatory Reporting. Fathers Ian G. Pac-Urar and James Barkett presented the sessions. By attending Tuesday’s sessions, participants fulfilled the new 5-hour Continuing Education requirement in Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues adopted by the Holy Synod of Bishops on January 28, 2013.

On Tuesday evening, Dr. Stephen Muse presented a very interesting and informative lecture on the most recent research about the Shroud of Turin. Dr. Muse continued his presentations on Wednesday morning and afternoon, exploring clergy wellness, self-care and the relationships between Orthodox Christianity and modern psychology.

Wednesday evening’s program included a video presentation about the life of the renowned Romanian confessor, Father Arsenie Boca.